🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.